Freeze Or Burn

Often we take for granted all the practical items that are born from melting sand. From visual aids to automotive protection keeping bugs from splatting on our faces, we owe a lot to glass. And we probably haven't given it its due. (Sorry, glass.) It is believed the process of creating the material began thousands of years ago with ancient civilizations that were near Mesopotamia and used it as a form of currency and artistic expression.

In keeping with the contemporary art form, the Mesa Arts Center welcomes you to face the elements at their fall season opener Fire and Ice. The event showcases demonstrations of glass blowing, casting, lamp working, neon, and fire spinning. If that isn't cool enough, you can balance out the temperature by checking out the equally mesmerizing ice carvings.

You don't have to leave the kids home, either, as there will be a glowing hula hoop play zone and a “pumpkin patch" of glass gourds made by local artisans. Food booths and live music will round out the atmosphere, so prepare your senses for full stimulation.